Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, communicate and carry out basic activities. In the United States today, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia every 67 seconds.
There is no cure for Alzheimer's, and living with the disease impacts not only the person with the disease but families, caregivers and the health care system.
Current costs to the health care system are $203 billion a year to care for people mostly over 65 with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, and the cost of care rising to an average of $1.2 trillion by the year 2050. How can we as a nation continue to pay for the increased cost and care of those affected with a disease that has no cure, cannot be slowed and has no way to be prevented. What HOPE can be found in the middle of all of this?
HOPE can be found in a bill that currently lies dormant in Congress with the power to provide for Health Outcomes, Planning and Education for Alzheimer's and dementia through an amendment to the Social Security Act. This bill is named the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act, as it seeks to provide early diagnosis so individuals can plan for their increased needs and education regarding the best avenues to take both before and after a diagnosis.
You might ask how Alzheimer's affects you, and what can you do about it. The answer is simple: Become informed. Ask the leaders on Alzheimer's research what you can do by contacting your local Alzheimer's Association and participating in the Alzheimer's walk held in Wooster in October. Watch elderly relatives and friends for signs and symptoms such as progressing forgetfulness, trouble with activities they used to enjoy or excel at, and withdrawal from social events. Encourage loved ones to take control of their brain health by seeing a primary care physician, and having them ask the doctors important questions. Call Ohio Congressmen and urge them to get involved with the HOPE Act.
In the words of Dr. Bonnie Kantor-Burman of the Ohio Department of Aging, let's take the step together to stop whispering the word Alzheimer's and start shouting it so we can help those in Ohio who have the disease, and those who provide care for individuals with the disease.